RAC September 4, 2008

This afternoon Virginia Beach's Resort Advisory Commission (RAC) met for over two hours. RAC meetings normally are under 90 minutes.

90 minutes alone were spent on Offshore Drilling. Presentations were made on the issue by Eileen Levandoski of the Sierra Club (opposed) and state Senator Frank Wagner (in favor). While the RAC didn't take a position on the issue today, questions by observers were largely in opposition. Most likely the industry representatives on the RAC will discuss the issue in their trade associations before the RAC takes a position.

The surprise of the afternoon was the RAC advising City Council not to exercise the remaining one year option on Live Nation's contract for Resort Area entertainment, asking Council to issue a RFP. While much discussion has taken place since Bobby Melatti's firing by Live Nation, no action was expected on the matter until after the season was over. The contract expires January 31, 2009, so there was more time available for debate.

The Oceanfront Enhancement Committee (OEC) reported it's recommendations for dealing with behavior issues spilling over into adjacent neighborhoods. The measures were committed to the committees that have oversight in the areas in question.